Maple Pumpkin Spice Syrup for Pumpkin Spice Lattes

October 3, 2011

My sweet baby girl will be starting her first unpaid internship. She was lucky to have found a paying internship through the summer which in turn made me the lucky mother. I’m really not complaining here. She is definitely getting a great opportunity to work as free labor and gain valuable experience. But how do unpaid college interns afford Pumpkin Spice Lattes?

I’ve told Gina we will work it out. Thankfully this girl can cook! Unfortunately, she has other vices. My clothing crazed daughter will simply need to shop smart for her Fall and Winter 2011 fashions and creatively use what she already has in her TWO walk-in closets! Cheap thrills, budget entertainment, ladies night and happy hour 2 for 1 drinks will also help this short on cash girl get through these next few months. But what about those Pumpkin Spice Lattes that just happen to seasonally appear and SHE and I love so dearly???

Answer: we make them at home! And not just for less money, but healthier too! A typical Grande Pumpkin Spice Latte comes in at a nice 380 calories (that’s with 2% milk) and whipped cream while costing somewhere between $3 -$5!

A main ingredient to the latte is the Pumpkin Spice Syrup. I’ve seen dozens of these recipes out on the internet over the years using sugar and varying the spices. A batch of this syrup will last in the refrigerator for a month, if it actually lasts that long!

Along with mixing it in my espresso, the uses for this syrup are endless! Think about swirling it into oatmeal or granola for a sweet pumpkin spice flavor; or as a maple syrup for pancakes and French toast. And if you’re so inclined for a cocktail; mix with 1 oz syrup to 2 oz vanilla vodka and 1 oz Kahlua for a pumpkin martini! – dip the rim in cinnamon sugar, yum!

Pumpkin Spice Syrup

1 ½ cups maple syrup

4 cinnamon sticks

8 whole cloves

8 whole allspice

1 teaspoon nutmeg

½ teaspoon ground ginger

3 tablespoons pumpkin puree

1 whole vanilla bean split lengthwise

Combine all ingredients in a small saucepan over medium heat. Simmer gently, stirring often for about 5-6 minutes until all the ingredients are well blended. Remove from the heat and allow to cool. Pour into a glass container and refrigerate overnight to continue to steep the flavors. Then next day bring the syrup to room temp and strain it into a glass container through a cheesecloth or fine mesh towel. Squeeze the cheesecloth at the end to get out all the syrupy goodness! Store in the refrigerator for up to one month.

Pumpkin Spice Latte or Cappucino

Depending on your preferred sweetness begin by adding 1 teaspoon of syrup for each shot of espresso or strong coffee (about ½ cup). Add an additional ½ teaspoon for a sweeter cup.

I’ve read many variations on the difference between a Latte or Cappuccino but I’ve always gone on the following:

For a Cappuccino I use equal amounts of espresso or coffee, hot milk or cream and steamed milk foam. A Latte contains coffee or espresso, hot milk and no foam using either equal or less coffee to milk ratio. Of course if you’re into Latte Art you can impress everyone with your artistry! And don’t forget a topping of whipped cream, a drizzle of salted caramel sauce and grated nutmeg to totally indulge all your senses!

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I love being in the kitchen. Early mornings, soft music, a hot espresso. Easing into the preparation of delicious meals. Glancing through cookbooks, gathering inspiration and planning my day. I look forward to the cycles of the seasons, the pleasures of tasting and savoring and sharing this with those dear to me. Weekends are special to me as my week days are often rushed, but still I create the ambiance, light the candles, set the table and uncork the wine.

Thanks so much Sally! She has been learning how to live on a budget but now things will get a bit tougher for her! All a part of growing up and learning about life! I have to check out a Ross store around here, thanks for the tip!

I am soooooooooooo excited to make syrup, the lattes and the martinis! Please post the martinis soon Linda…I would love to see a nice shot of that one for inspiration. Thank you for this fantastic idea. You are a great mom…so supportive and I love that you are making her syrup for her at-home lattes. Cheers!

ha-ha! Good question, since most of us working folks can’t even afford them! (not from Starbucks anyway :)) Love your homemade version. And I am so in the mood for one of these right now… it is cold, damp and dark here today (don’t even mention the word Florida to me right now Linda :)), and I need a pick-up with warm, perky fall seasonings – perfect!!

I am making this on Friday. No doubt about it. I had my first pumpkin latte of the season over the weekend and oh was it heavenly! How awesome would it be to wake up to this delight at home! Thank you! Thank you Linda! And you had me drooling with the list of recipe possibilities as well. In oatmeal….on french toast…a martini! Wow!

I’ll take one! I’ve never made a flavored syrup before, but I think you’ve inspired me to try it out! I have yet to get a ps latte from Starbucks, and they’re usually my fall treat–I just so happen to being trying that budgeting business too. Now I just have to find some decent pumpkin puree that isn’t $2.50 a can…Okay, that’s still cheaper than buying coffee…

I have never heard of Pumpkin Spice Latte (I suppose it hasn’t crossed the ocean yet!), but I would love to taste, especially your home-made healthier version.
I have been using agave syrup for over a year and simply love it.

How clever of you! What a great way to save the $4 plus you’d probably spend at Starbucks. I know, considering I get a Starbucks almost every morning before work. It’s just so dang expensive! This syrup sounds fabulous.

WOW~! Totally impressed and excited right now. My mom is coming in for the weekend so my husband and I can go to New York and this is the perfect little treat/gift to say thank you! She love pumpkin and so do I! Who doesn’t actually? I love this recipe. Great idea and thanks for sharing it!

congrats on your daughters internship! I wish I would have read your post before I talked about my post on how I was dissatisfied with the Starbuck’s pumpkin spice latte! I would have linked up to your site! I think I’ll go add a side note to my post to have visitors come check out your pumpkin spice syrups! I was so caught up on studying and the kids, I am late in reading blog posts! I so can’t wait to try your version, I bet it tastes amazing!